Jordy Carper in critical condition on ventilator

December 10, 1998

By BRYN MICKLE / Staff Writer, Martinsburg

photo: RIC DUGAN / staff photographer

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. - A Berkeley County boy who received a rare double lung transplant was in critical condition and on a ventilator Wednesday as doctors at a Washington, D.C., hospital attempted to stabilize him in the hope he could go home for hospice care, the boy's grandmother said.

Jordy Carper, 11, was flown by helicopter Monday to Children's National Medical Center after he began having breathing problems, Sherilyn Barnhart said.

Barnhart said the outlook was not good for her grandson.

"He's not going to get better this time," said Barnhart. "He's just worn out."

Jordy, who has cystic fibrosis, underwent surgery in June 1997 to receive lung lobes donated from a relative and a family friend.

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Jordy has had several setbacks since the surgery, including a stroke earlier this year. As a result, he has had to use a wheelchair.

Barnhart said Jordy's medications have taken a toll on the boy's kidneys, resulting in several episodes of kidney failure.

Jordy's kidney treatments have caused his lungs to fill with fluid, forcing doctors to wage a continual battle, Barnhart said.

Jordy was well enough to spend Thanksgiving at home with his family but was admitted to Children's Medical Center on Nov. 30 after suffering kidney failure, his grandmother said.

Jordy was released last Saturday but was readmitted to the hospital on Monday.

Barnhart said she and Jordy's mother, Missy Carper, have been driving back and forth between the hospital and Hedgesville this week, and are hoping doctors can stabilize Jordy to the point that his family can take care of him at home.

Jordy will be 12 on Dec. 30, Barnhart said.

Falling Waters Presbyterian Church Pastor Mitch Miller said donations have continued to come in for Jordy and his family to help with medical costs.

Jordy's situation has drawn support from people across West Virginia.

Miller said he is thankful for a time four months ago when Jordy was healthy and playing games with other children at the church.

"He didn't seem to have a care in the world," Miller said. "He had a chance to have a normal childhood, and that was wonderful."

Cystic fibrosis is a fatal inherited disease that attacks the lungs by producing a thick mucus that can lead to infection and death by suffocation.